Power straps for skaters

ABSTRACT

While ice skating or in-line roller skating, a big effort is imparted on our ankles to support our body weight. Therefore, hockey players for example, will apply a plastic tape around the ankles for additional support. Tape however, doesn&#39;t provide a uniform and constant support, it hampers flexibility and it greatly pollutes the environment. Practically, it is a chore to install and remove the tape every time you want to go skating. Finally, even more tape is needed to hold the shin pad in place.  
     The invention is composed of an elongated elastomeric strip of a minimal thickness and an important width. To each end is affixed quick-release fasteners. Hence, the practical inconveniences mentioned earlier are resolved by the simplicity of the invention. One advantage is the quick and simple one step application. The width of the invention allows hockey players to hold the bottom of the shin pad at the same time. Finally, the elastomeric strip&#39;s thinness will allow the invention to mold to the exterior of the equipment it is in contact with, providing a good tension and a uniform and constant support, without compromising flexibility.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is in relation to ice and in-line roller skating, and their derived sports.

[0005] While ice skating or in-line roller skating, a big effort is imparted on our ankles to support our body weight. Presently, hockey players seem to have a solution to this problem, which is to apply plastic tape around the ankles. Therefore, the tension created by the stretched tape allows the ankle to be reinforced. However, applying tape around the ankles includes many difficulties and inconveniences. First of all, the tape itself is rather weak and to obtain the desired tension, it needs to be stretched which sometimes causes the tape to break under to much strain. Besides, to obtain good results, many layers of tape must be applied, therefore neglecting the uniformity of the applied tension which is noticeable by various tension points around the ankle. Also, skating is a very dynamic sport that necessitates many ankle movements. Applying tape will provide some ankle support but, because it is made of plastic, it will severely hamper ankle flexibility, resulting in a loss of performance. In addition, during these ankle movements, the tape will be submitted to many elongation cycles. Because the tape is applied under tension, it has already sustained an elongation. Therefore, the additional imposed elongation cycles, induces in the tape irreversible plastic deformations, which results in less support for the skater through failure of the tape. Furthermore, removing the tape after use is an unpleasant task. Initially the end of the tape must be located, then you slowly tear it off hopping the deteriorated tape won't break apart before it is all removed. If it does, you must start the whole process over. Finally, used tape has no other use and the non-recyclable product is thrown in the garbage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention, the power straps for skaters, solves at once all the problems described above. The idea is to replace the tape with a large strip of elastomeric material having the proper mechanical characteristics and the proper geometrical dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS

[0007]FIG. 1 illustrates the orthogonal plan view of the said invention.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the said invention according to FIG. 1

[0009]FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the said invention when the extremities are joined together (this is the geometry of the invention when applied around the ankle).

[0010]FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the enlarged radius of the according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The chosen material should have the following mechanical properties: 100% Modulus 0.45 MPa to 1.37 MPa  [65 psi to 200 psi] 300% Modulus: 0.69 MPa to 2.40 MPa [100 psi to 350 psi] Tensile Strength: 2.75 MPa (minimum) [400 psi (minimum)] Ultimate elongation: 500% (minimum) Hardness: 20 shore A to 60 shore A.

[0012] Some of the invention's critical dimensions are the width and the thickness of the elastomeric strip. These have been evaluated at ≈125mm (≈5.0 in) and ≈1.2 mm (≈0.047 in) respectively, which constitutes a section area of A_(s)=150 mm² (≈0.233 in²),

[0013] Using typical figures, the following can be calculated: ${{{Young}'}s\quad {{modulus}:E}} = {\frac{\sigma_{\max}}{ɛ} = \frac{5.5{MPa}}{700\%}}$ E = 0.7857  MPa  ( ≈ 115  psi)

[0014] further mechanical properties are determined as follows:

[0015] At break:

F _(rupt)=σ_(max) ·A _(S)=5.5 MPa·150 mm ²

F _(rupt)=825 N (≈186 lbf)

[0016] The average adults would apply a maximum force (F_(app)) estimated at 220 N (≈50 lbf), therefore: ${{Applied}\quad {{Tension}:\sigma_{app}}} = {\frac{F_{app}}{A_{S}} = \frac{220N}{150\quad {mm}^{2}}}$ σ_(app) = 1.5MPa  ( ≈ 214  psi) ${{Applied}\quad {{Elongation}:ɛ_{app}}} = {\frac{\sigma_{app}}{E} = \frac{1.5{MPa}}{0.7857{MPa}}}$ ɛ_(app) = 190%

[0017] Hence, the invention's elastomeric component can withstand a force of 825 N (≈186 lbf). It has been estimated that the invention, while in use, will undergo maximum forces of 220 N (≈50 lbf), which will induce an elongation of 190%. Unlike plastic tape, the invention will avoid the material's plastic deformation zone and therefore provide a constant and uniform support to the ankle. Furthermore, for an applied force of 220 N (≈50 lbf), the elastomeric component will bear a strain of 1.5 MPa (≈214 psi), which will deliver to the ankle, a force of approximately 13 to 31 N (≈3 to ≈7 lb) which provides an adequate and comfortable support for skating without compromising ankle flexibility.

[0018] The tension uniformity is derived from two distinctions. First, the average thickness must be thin enough to allow the invention to perfectly mold to every surface it is in contact with. Secondly, the body of the invention is a single elongated elastomeric strip. As previously mentioned, the average width of the invention must be large enough to comfortably and evenly distribute the tension to the ankle area of the user's leg. Furthermore, the large width also allows the user to hold the bottom of his shin pad if desired.

[0019] Installation and removal of the invention is also an improvement from tape because these are each executed in one simple and quick operation thanks to the quick-release fastening system. Each extremity houses one component of the fastening system eliminating every other component that could hamper the elastic properties and uniformity properties of the invention. To apply around the ankle, the user stretches the invention to the desired tension and then simply wraps the ankle, while the invention is stretched and places the extremities one on top of the other. Removal of the invention is accomplished by simply grabbing the overlapping end and tearing the fasteners apart. Finally, since the invention is reusable, it eliminates the pollution caused when using tape.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] The invention's major components are an elastomeric strip (1). At one extremity is fixed the loop component (2A) of the fastening system (2), while at the other extremity is fixed the hook component (2B) of the fastening system (2). Each component of the fastening system (2) is fixed on opposite surfaces of the elastomeric strip to allow it to form a uniform ring (FIG. 3). The outlining edge of the invention (4) is rounded over (3) and oversized compared to the thickness of the elastomeric strip (1). This feature increases the strength of the strip and allows greater tear resistance. Furthermore, the opposed lateral edges (4A) and (4B) bear different radius' to account for the varying circumferences on the users leg.

[0021] In accordance with a further variant of the present invention, the invention may use any known, required or desired type of elastomeric material, or combination thereof. For example, thermoset elastomers such as natural or synthetic rubbers or thermoplastic elastomers such as Santoprene™ or Monoprene™ may be used, or any further additional type of material. For example, the strip may comprise a series of end-to-end jointed types of material which would provide different coefficients of expansion.

[0022] Further, the strip may comprise two or more different layers of materials, each having specific elastomeric properties which would therefore give the user additional flexibility and/or strength as required or desired. Further, the geometrical dimensions of the invention, such as length width and thickness may vary for known, required or desired reasons. Indeed, the length will vary as a function of the circumference of the user's ankle. Therefore, the finished product will be longer for an adult than for a child. Also, varying the thickness can accommodate different support levels required by the end user. Furthermore, the elastomeric material can also be selected to accommodate different needs of support, strength, elongation, durability and manufacturability. The method used to fasten the extremities together can also be modified by using a hoop at one end, in which the other end, housing the hook and loop fasteners (Velcro™), is inserted. This end is then folded over onto itself to attach the hook and loop fasteners. Further geometrical dimensions can be modified so that the invention can be used to hold the upper portion of the shin pads firmly to the hockey players' legs. Further, the shape of the strip may vary along its length. For example, one or more edges of the strip may be scalloped, which would allow for the strip to be more easily molded about the ankle of a wearer. Further, the length of the strip may be longer than described hereinabove, which would allow the wearer to wrap the strip more than once about the ankle of the wearer. Further, a small strip of material can be added to the overlapping extremity to aid in the removal of the invention.

[0023] This creative idea aims to serve people of all ages who practice the sport of skating whether on ice or in-line. The invention is not limited by the caliber of the skater. Hence, a beginner can use the invention as a learning tool as much as an expert skater can use the invention to improve his/her skating performances. 

I claim:
 1. A device used as an accessory while practicing the sport of ice skating or in-line roller skating, including the derived sports which use as part of the equipment ice skates and/or in-line roller skates such as hockey, which provides additional ankle support and/or strength by encircle the ankle vicinity of the leg.
 2. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said device is suitable for use whenever additional ankle support is required, comprising: An elongated strip of elastomeric material having opposed first and second ends; said first opposed end comprising a quick-release fastener adapted to fasten with a second quick-release fastener disposed adjacent said second opposed end, wherein said elongated strip is configured and disposed to be wrapped around the ankle vicinity of the leg of a person such that said quick-release fastener fastens with said second opposed end.
 3. A device, according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said device's body is one single molded homogeneous and/or heterogeneous elongated elastomeric strip.
 4. A device, according to claim 3, wherein said device uses said elastomeric materials with the following mechanical properties: 100% Modulus 0.45 MPa to 1.37 MPa  [65 psi to 200 psi] 300% Modulus: 0.69 MPa to 2.40 MPa [100 psi to 350 psi] Tensile Strength: 2.75 MPa (minimum) [400 psi (minimum)] Ultimate elongation: 500% (minimum) Hardness: 20 shore A to 60 shore A


5. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said device, wherein said first and second quick-release fasteners are disposed adjacent said first and second opposed ends respectively.
 6. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first and second quick-release fasteners comprise a hook and loop fasteners and/or hook and pile fasteners and/or any other known, desired or required quick-release fastening system.
 7. A device, according to claim 6, wherein said fasteners can be adjustably connected together to vary the size of the loop formed by the elastomeric strip.
 8. A device, according to claim 6, wherein said fastener means are affixed to said elongated elastomeric strip after molding and/or during molding of elongated elastomeric strip.
 9. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said device is encircled around ankle vicinity of user's leg, while stretched, therefore inducing tension in the elongated elastomeric strip. Said tension provides support and/or strength by transferring tension to the ankle vicinity of the leg.
 10. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said device provides additional ankle support and/or strength and preserves its elastic properties throughout its operational range therefore not compromising ankle flexibility, wherein said elastic properties means that no permanent deformations are created in the elastomeric strip, said deformations are therefore reversible.
 11. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said device is installed on the exterior of the skates at the ankle vicinity of the leg and/or on the exterior of the skates and the bottom portion of the shin pad at the ankle vicinity of the leg.
 12. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said device's body is formed by an elastomeric strip, having a minimum width of 25 mm (≈1 in) and/or a maximum width of 200 mm (≈8 in) and/or a minimum thickness of 0.20 mm (≈{fraction (1/128)} in) and/or a maximum thickness of 12.7 mm (≈½ in) and/or a minimum length of 114 mm (≈4.5 in) and/or a maximum length of 635 mm (≈25 in).
 13. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said device is used in the sport of hockey to provide ankle support and/or hold the bottom portion of the shin pad, the equipment used to protect the user's leg.
 14. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said device is used in the sport of hockey to hold the upper portion of the shin pad, the equipment used to protect the user's leg.
 15. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said device's body is formed by an elastomeric strip wherein strip's outlining edge bears a radius that is greater than half the thickness of said elastomeric strip. Said radius' axis is parallel to the said strip's length.
 16. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said elastomeric strip comprises opposed lateral edges and wherein said edges have different radius' in relation with the varying circumferences of the user's leg wherein circumferences include skating and/or hockey equipment such as skate and/or shin pad, wherein said radius' axis' are perpendicular to the said strip's length.
 17. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said elastomeric strip comprises opposed elongated lateral edges and wherein at least one of said elongated lateral edges is scalloped.
 18. A device, according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said elastomeric material comprises two or more different types of elastomeric material, each having a different coefficient of elasticity. 